National Business

BEIJING (AP) — China announced a barrage of measures meant to counter the blow to its economy from U.S. President Donald Trump ’s trade war, as the two sides prepared for talks later this week.

ST. JOHN'S — Fortis Inc. reported its first-quarter profit and revenue rose compared with a year ago. The electric and gas utility says it earned a profit attributable to common equity holders of $499 million or $1.

TORONTO — Barrick Mining Corp. reported its first-quarter profit rose compared with a year ago, helped by higher prices for gold and copper. The mining company, which keeps its books in U.S.

OTTAWA — Senior federal officials have been looking quietly for ways to bring together Canadians who don't see eye to eye on the economy, immigration and social issues.

TORONTO — Mannequins galore, fashion-themed coffee table books and all the machinery you’d need to open a tailoring business.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top U.S. officials are set to meet with a high-level Chinese delegation this weekend in Switzerland in the first major talks between the two nations since President Donald Trump sparked a trade war with stiff tariffs on imports.

WASHINGTON — Canada will never become a U.S. state, Prime Minister Carney declared to President Donald Trump in public and private during White House meetings both leaders described as productive and cordial.

BC Hydro executive vice-president of operations Charlotte Mitha will take over the top job when outgoing president Chris O'Riley retires in August.

CALGARY — Oilsands producer MEG Energy Corp. says its first-quarter profits more than doubled from a year earlier.

VANCOUVER — Politicians and business leaders in British Columbia say talk of separation in Alberta is an opening for better co-operation between Ottawa and Western provinces, but dividing the country is a step too far.